Red Herring Artists
Red Herring is an artist's collective based in Brighton, England. Founded in 1985[1] as a non-profit making company, the group was set up to provide affordable Studio space for artists with the common stated aim of increasing public awareness of the visual arts, both locally, nationally and further afield. In keeping with its aims the group has always sought to achieve a balance of varied practises across the arts and crafts, and a balance of gender.
Background
As part of its stated aims, Red Herring Studios has provided affordable studio space for professional artists throughout its existence. This has been achieved by renting low cost redundant industrial premises due for redevelopment and dividing the space provided into working areas. In order to encourage cross discipline discussion and collaboration the separate artists spaces have always been kept open and interconnected.
The studio group subsequently became an Industrial and provident society with charitable status. The studio group is funded entirely by its members, in the form of rent.
Throughout the first decade the studio group ran a gallery space within its premises, this was discontinued when several members set up Fabrica, an artist run contemporary art gallery and commissioner of new work, housed in the former Holy Trinity Church in Brighton City centre.
In 2017 Red Herring were faced with eviction from their Westerman Complex home in Hove, when plans were made to demolish it and build houses on the site.[1]
Artists
Each of its premises has housed an average of 24 artists, over the years several hundred artists have been members. Paul Greenhalgh head of research at the Victoria and Albert Museum considered Red Herring to be "an organisation of significant historical importance."
The term "Red Herring Artists" refers both to individual members and the Artists group as a whole. As a group Red Herring Artists have been involved in countless collaborations and group projects, many of which are public art projects and festival events.
Many individual Red Herring Artists have achieved critical acclaim and together have worked throughout the world.
References
- "'Gentrification' pushing creatives out of Brighton and Hove". Brighton & Hove Independent. 8 March 2017. Retrieved 18 February 2018.